When a doctor or specialist prescribes a medication to help with an injury or illness, you trust that the drug should be reasonably safe for you to take.

Unfortunately, both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can have side effects that are even more serious than the illnesses and injuries they aim to treat. If you or a loved one has suffered from a drug-related injury, our team at Pogust, Braslow, & Millrood is here to help.

Prescription/OTC Drugs

When prescription or OTC drugs are rushed to the market with minimal clinical testing, serious or even deadly side effects could be reported. If you have suffered from a serious side effect as a result of taking a prescription or OTC drug, finding the right legal representation is key.

Abilify and Compulsive Gambling

Prescribed to treat conditions such as bipolar disorder and some forms of autism, Abilify has since been linked to serious side effects such as compulsive gambling, binge eating, and compulsive shopping due to the drug’s ability to suppress the body’s impulse-control mechanisms.

Injectafer and Severe Hypophosphatemia

For those who suffer from iron deficiency, the drug Injectafer has been prescribed as a “quick fix.” Unfortunately, studies have since linked the drug to severe hypophosphatemia (HPP), which can prevents the body from absorbing phosphorus and can lead to serious long-term damage.

Invokana Side Effects Injuries

Invokana, originally prescribed for Type 2 diabetes patients as a means of controlling blood sugar levels, has been linked to serious side effects, including:

increased risk of heart attack

ketoacidosis

need for toe or foot amputation.

Is MiraLax Safe?

For years, MiraLax has been an OTC medication meant to relieve constipation in both children and adults. Unfortunately, it has been found that the drug can actually degrade into dangerous chemicals within the body, resulting in side effects such as seizures, metabolic acidosis, and severe mood swings.

Onglyza Heart Failure Injuries

Originally prescribed for diabetes patients looking to stimulate the body’s insulin production, Onglyza has been linked to heart failure in recent years. One study found that patients on this drug were nearly 30% more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure than those who did not take the drug.

Proton Pump Inhibitors & Kidney Complications

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs such as Prilosec and Prevacid are meant to treat heartburn. These over-the-counter medications have been linked within the past decade to serious side effects, including chronic kidney disease and other kidney-related complications.

Risperdal (Risperidone)

Used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, autism, and schizophrenia, Risperdal (also known by the generic name of risperidone) works by blocking the brain’s receptors. In recent years, however, the drug has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, diabetes, and many other serious side effects.

Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer

It has recently been found that talcum powder, a common ingredient in baby powder and adult body powders, has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Specifically, women who used talcum powder on their genital region were shown to have an increased risk for ovarian cancer.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common treatment for men with low testosterone levels, though it has recently been exposed that this therapy can result in a higher risk of serious and even deadly heart issues like stroke and heart attack. Other risks include enlarged prostate, blood clots, and liver disease.

Victoza and Pancreatic Cancer

Victoza is a prescription drug that is often used to control insulin production in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, the drug has also been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in patients, which can be fatal.

Xarelto

The drug Xarelto is a commonly prescribed blood thinner designed to treat conditions such as an increased risk of blood clots and strokes. However, patients taking this drug should also be aware that it comes with an increased risk of major internal bleeding events, especially in older patients.

Zofran (Ondansetron) & Birth Defect Risks

While Zofran was originally prescribed to help cancer patients overcome nausea, it has graduaiately, it has been discovered that Zofran and its generic form (ondanestron) may be linked to birth defects, including congenital heart defects, especially when used during the first trimester of pregnancy.

These are just some of the most common OTC and prescription drugs that have been put under the spotlight in recent years for potentially serious and even fatal side effects. If you or a loved one has been negatively impacted by taking one of these medications as prescribed, it is imperative that you seek legal guidance from a team that has long-standing experience with drug injury cases. Schedule your free case consultation and evaluation with our legal professionals here at Pogust, Braslow, & Millrood to get started with your case today.